This is the Chan/Zen Third Patriarch’s temple Sanzusi /三祖寺. The temple was first built in 505 AD during the Northern & Southern Dynasties, but it later got its current name from Master Sanzu (San=Third, Zu=Patriarch/Founder), who arrived at this temple at 590 AD and taught during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). He exited this world at 606 AD and his relics are stored in the pagodas toward the back of the temple.
The rock with writings on it is where the Third Patriarch passed down the “YiBuo” line, or Dharma succession where the symbolic robe and bowl were passed down to the Fourth Patriarch. These were a physical objects that symbolize the transmission.
When the Fourth Patriarch, Master SiZu (Si=Fourth), was still a novice monk, he asked the Third Patriarch for help. The young monk said that my heart/mind is tied down, can you help me? Master SanZu said, “I can help you, please show me the rope that is tying you down and I will untie it for you.” The young monk said, “But I can’t find the rope that ties me down.” Master SanZu then stated, “I have untied that which holds your mind, from now on, no one or anything can tie you down.” The young monk, Master SiZu, realized that all vexations are in one’s own mind.
The pagoda was built around 700 AD and the surrounding rectangular building below the pagoda was added during the Ming and Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasties, between 1368-1912 AD.
Sanzuchansi, Qianshan, Anhui, China
